Boosting the Rise of 360-degree Photography In a Digital World

Photography is all three: science, art, and application. Nothing exemplifies this more than crisp panoramic photographs.

Thankfully, technological growth, in the form of smart phones, digital cameras, and handheld devices, has enabled the production of bright, radiant images with relative ease.

Tech has convincingly perfected the 360-degree photograph, which is a “controllable panoramic image that surrounds the original point from which the shot was taken.” These pictures differ from others in that they allow spectators an opportunity to feel as if they are in the photographer’s shoes. With the drag of a cursor or the turn of a neck, a viewer can look left and look right, up and down, and even sometimes zoom-in, provided an immersive experience.

The article discusses Joe Reifer, an expert in photographing abandoned places and night scenes captured picturesque pictures using an iPhone app with a mix of equipment, including a Canon EOS 6D. Just a few years later, every phone we touch is equipped with the built-in software to align shots for achieving incredibly detailed photos. Perhaps, still, not to the skill level of Reifer.

With that said, it’s possible that you won’t have to put your photography skills to the test. Companies are producing elaborate 360-degree cameras that bear multiple lenses, specifically designed to capture everything in all directions. The software stitches images in real-time! The videos and photos displayed by 360-cameras are beyond the capability of anything we might routinely carry around in our pockets.

When such outstanding photos are used in combination with VR devices, we’re bound to see incredible things.

Dynamic 360-degree images pair exceptionally well with VR headsets, such as the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, or Samsung Gear VR. More and more, these visuals are used on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter to tempt travelers, real estate applicants, and virtual reality enthusiasts.

The wave of 360-degree products has already impacted numerous industries, as well as the way travel materials are filmed and broadcasted. Clip-on cameras for Android and iPhone phones, such as the Insta360 and Insta360 Nano, are now being sold. The $1,000, six-camera Hubblo VR captures in 4K resolution, and it can be live-streamed via Wi-Fi or recorded to a microSD card. The Insta360 also launched an 8K resolution-capable 360-degree camera.

Standalone cameras and attachments are lauded for their ability to capture live events, sporting events, music festivals, and parties. The ability to immediately broadcast beautiful images is becoming more important, as well as the capacity to relive compelling experiences organically.

The nature of 360-degree content has changed. If you have any thoughts about immersive videos, other uses for this type of photography, or questions, be sure to reach out!